One Piece Shotshell

ABSTRACT

A one-piece shotshell comprising an integral base with an opening at a first end, a sidewall extending from the base defining an open second end, and a crimp integrally disposed between the first end and second end. Apparatus and methods for making the shotshell and shooting a projectile are also disclosed.

FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for making a one-piece shotshell.

BACKGROUND

A definite need exists in the industry for a one-piece plastic shell capable of being manufactured relatively inexpensively. In addition, it is important that such a shell be capable of being fired and reloaded many times, because a significant amount of shotshells are sold to those who reload their own shells. The shotshell disclosed herein meets each of these requirements.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a single piece shotshell. The shotshell has an integral base with a first opening, a sidewall extending from the base defining a second opening, and an integral crimp within the sidewall.

Advantageously, the shotshell is relatively inexpensive, reloadable and reusable. The shotshell requires less plastic material for its manufacture and may be readily incorporated into already developed and known continuous production line of shotshell manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the invention solely to the embodiments described herein, will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shotshell exterior according to exemplary embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shotshell interior according to exemplary embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shotshell according to exemplary embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shotshell interior without a crimp according to exemplary embodiments described herein

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A one-piece shotshell comprising an integral base with an opening at a first end, a sidewall extending from the base defining an open second end, and a crimp integrally disposed between the first end and second end.

FIGS. 1-3 depicts a one-piece shotshell (100). The shotshell (100) includes an integral base (102) having an opening at a first end (104 a), a sidewall (106) extending from the base (102) that defines an opening at a second end (104 b). The shotshell (100) has a crimp (108) integrally disposed to the inner surface of the sidewall (106) between the first end (104 a) and second end (104 b). The shotshell (100) can be made with a thermoplastic material such as olefinic polymers like high-density polyethylene and polypropylene. Other materials known in the art can be used.

The shotshell (100) can be manufactured by injection molding into a single piece. Other known manufacturing processes can be utilized. The shotshell (100) can be manufactured into numerous ammunition dimensions. For example, the shotshell (100) can be manufactured into a .22 caliber or a .45 caliber or for use with any type of shotgun. Other dimensions known in the art can be used.

The crimp (108) can be constructed uniformly across the inner surface of the sidewall (106). In another embodiment, the crimp (108) is lattice patterned or substantially solid across the inner surface of the sidewall (106). A plug (110) can be inserted into the shotshell (100) to close off the first end (104 a). Preferably, the plug (110) is made of molded plastic, such as olefinic polymers like high-density polyethylene and polypropylene. Other materials known in the art can be used. In an embodiment, the plug (110) frictionally fits within the shotshell (100). In another embodiment, the plug (110) is a primer. In another embodiment, the plug (110) may have an annular groove that engages a suitable formation provided in the shotshell (100) to secure the plug (110) in place.

The shotshell (100) is loaded by inserting projectiles (112) into the first end (104 a). The crimp (108) prevents the projectiles (112) from falling out the second opening (104 b). Once the projectiles are loaded, the plug (110) is inserted and closes off the first opening (104 a). In addition to projectiles, a wad and gunpowder can be placed into the shotshell (100) and a primer inserted into the first end (104 a).

FIG. 4 depicts another shotshell (200) embodiment without a crimp that is used to shoot projectiles (202) from an airgun. The shotshell (200) has an integral base (204) with an opening at a first end (206) and a sidewall (208) extending from the base defining an open second end (210). The shotshell (200) is loaded by inserting at least one projectile (202) into the first end. The shotshell (200) is then loaded into an airgun. Alternatively, the projectile (202) can be loaded into a shotshell (200) that has already been inserted into an airgun or a previously been shot. Upon shooting the airgun, the compressed or pressurized air or gas directly contacts the projectile (202) propelling it down the barrel and expelling it out the end. The projectile can be a pellet, ball bearing (BB), or any other projectile that is capable of being loaded into the shotshell (200) and shot with an airgun.

Although preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims. 

1. A one-piece shotshell comprising an integral base with an opening at a first end, a sidewall extending from the base defining an open second end, and a crimp integrally disposed between the first end and second end.
 2. The shotshell case of claim 1 further comprising a plug closing off the first end of the case.
 3. The shotshell case of claim 2 where in the plug is a primer.
 4. A method of making a shotshell case comprising forming a tubular body with an integral base and a crimp integrally disposed within the tubular body.
 5. A shotshell comprising a one-piece case having a generally cylindrical body having a first opening for receiving a plug and a second opening, a rim extending radially outward beyond the first opening of the cylindrical body, an integral crimp attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical body.
 6. A method of shooting a projectile from a shotshell comprising the steps of loading the shotshell with at least one projectile, said shotshell comprising an integral base with an opening at a first end and a sidewall extending from the base defining an open second end, and shooting the projectile.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the projectile is a pellet.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the projectile is a ball bearing. 